The Clallam County Sheriff's deputy who was shot in January while investigating a trespass in Neah Bay was named the 2009 Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.

Deputy Bill Cortani was chosen unanimously by the council's executive board on Friday, Dec. 4.

The award recognizes "clearly exceptional and outstanding performance of duties, which bring honor and distinction to the officer, their department and their profession."

Cortani was shot in the hip and upper left arm while responding to a trespassing complaint Jan. 19 at a beachfront cabin east of Neah Bay.

Cortani shot the 59-year-old suspect Scott Lincoln Davis as he approached armed with a shotgun. Then Cortani held Davis at gunpoint for 30 minutes until help arrived.